Airborne Fungal Diversity in Two Major Markets of Greater Accra, Ghana, and Associated Fungal Contamination of Selected Fresh Fruits and Fruit Juices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14719/gst.e13Abstract
Airborne fungi are important components of bioaerosols that influence environmental quality, food safety, and public health. This study assessed the aeromycoflora of two major markets in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana (Mallam Atta and Madina Markets) and fungal contamination of oranges (Citrus sinensis), mangoes (Mangifera indica), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), and their freshly expressed juices. Aeromycoflora were determined using the open plate exposure method, while fungal loads on fruit peels and juices were quantified on Potato Dextrose Agar using the pour and direct plating methods. Airborne fungal populations were low, with counts of 1.51 and 1.43 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ at Mallam Atta and Madina Markets, respectively, showing no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05). Fungal populations on fruit peels were similarly low, ranging from 1.36 to 1.50 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹. In contrast, freshly expressed fruit juices exhibited substantially higher fungal loads (3.00–3.40 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹), indicating that nutrient-rich fruit tissues favour fungal growth. Aspergillus fumigatus predominated among isolates from fruit peels and juices. Although ambient fungal loads were low, fresh fruits and especially fruit juices remained susceptible to fungal contamination during handling and storage. Improved hygiene, postharvest handling, molecular identification, and mycotoxin analyses are recommended to enhance food safety.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Michael Wiafe-Kwagyan Wiafe-Kwagyan, Asantewaa Danso Asante, George Odamtten Tawia (Author)
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